Cipralex®/Lexapro®/Seroplex®/Sipralexa®

How does it work
Cells in the brain communicate with each other via electric signals and by using messenger substances, called “neurotransmitters”. One of these messengers is called serotonin. It has been shown that a certain messenger level is required to maintain good communication between the cells of the central nervous system. If there are too few neurotransmitters, communication is disrupted, which causes the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

These messenger substances are usually “recycled” after they have done their work in the brain. So-called “serotonin transporters” act like small vacuum cleaners to collect these messengers so they can be used again later. A special class of medications, the “Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)” have been designed to block the transporters so that the messengers can work a little longer and more efficiently, than normal.

Escitalopram, the active ingredient of Cipralex / Lexapro, is an optimized SSRI as it blocks the transporter at two different locations. That makes it the most efficient known compound of its kind. By efficiency, we mean that it makes sufficient serotonin available, so that nervous-system cells can once again communicate with each other. This, in turn, reduces the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Cipralex® in depression
In a variety of clinical trials, escitalopram (Cipralex®) has been demonstrated to effectively treat major depressive disorders in both the short- and long-term, and is well tolerated by patients.

Please refer to your local prescribing information to find out about the current approval situation for escitalopram in your country. If you are a patient and have further questions about Cipralex®, please ask your pharmacist or physician. If you are a healthcare professional, please refer to the specific section of this website we have created for you.

Cipralex® in Anxiety Disorders
In a variety of clinical trials, escitalopram (Cipralex®) has been demonstrated to effectively treat major depressive disorders in both the short- and long-term, and is well tolerated by patients. Cipralex® is currently approved for the treatment of Panic Disorder, with or without agoraphobia (the fear to enter open places), Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder.

Please refer to your local prescribing information to find out about the current approval situation for escitalopram in your country. If you are a patient and have further questions about Cipralex®, please ask your pharmacist or physician. If you are a healthcare professional, please refer to the specific section of this website we have created for you.